The arrest of David Huerta, a California union leader, during the Los Angeles immigration protests has caused outrage within the labor movement. Unions are condemning the Trump administration and demanding the immediate release of Huerta. Huerta, the president of a Service Employees International Union affiliate, was injured in a workplace raid by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The union stated that Huerta was peacefully exercising his First Amendment right to observe and document law enforcement activity at the time. Despite being released from the hospital the same day, he was later detained. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli alleged that Huerta had been interfering with federal officers and announced that he would be arraigned in court on Monday. Huerta is the head of SEIU-United Service Workers West, a California-based union of 50,000 workers, many of whom are Latino immigrants working as janitors. The union president is also the head of SEIU California, which advocates politically for the union’s chapters in the state. SEIU has been vocal in defending immigrant rights amid President Trump’s promise to increase deportations. Huerta stated in a press release that hard-working people are being treated like criminals. Labor groups, including the AFL-CIO, have planned protests across the country to demand Huerta’s release. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, emphasized the need for unions to stand together and protect workers from deportation. This incident highlights the potential role of labor groups in opposing the White House’s immigration crackdown. Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, condemned the treatment of Huerta and stressed the importance of peaceful protest. The article also mentions the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, the deployment of the National Guard by Trump, and the backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom. This situation marks the first time in 60 years that a president has mobilized a state’s National Guard without a governor’s request. Jaime Contreras, the president of SEIU’s Latino Caucus, expressed his disapproval of Trump’s actions at a rally in Washington, D.C. We are incredibly grateful for readers like you! Your initial support has been instrumental in getting us to where we are today and has strengthened our newsroom, allowing us to weather uncertain times. As we move forward, your continued support is more crucial than ever. We invite you to join us once again on this journey.
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“Being a veteran myself, I find that disgusting, disturbing, insulting and unconstitutional,” Contreras said.
